After a rash of key defensive injuries throughout the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions knew they had to make some big decisions this offseason. That included the contract situation with safety Brian Branch and whether or not extending him or holding off for the time being is in their best interest.
Branch is entering the final year of his rookie deal, but he is also recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. With Spotrac's projected value at $20 million per season, the Lions may mitigate the risk by taking someone like Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who is Tankathon's 16th overall prospect. Not only do the Lions have the 17th pick, but the Lions Collective crew believes Detroit should pursue him in the first round if he is the best player on the board.
"A lot of people would probably not like that. Some people would, The Athletic's Colton Pouncy said. "Probably get some split decisions there, but yeah, it would make for an interesting conversation for sure."
After seeing Thieneman's tape, Lions beat reporter Justin Rogers added, "This guy is Brian Branch," essentially pointing out how the Oregon safety shares a similar skillset. It is also worth noting that Thieneman has been a popular pick for the Minnesota Vikings at No. 19. So, if he is someone the Lions have their eyes set on amid the injury concerns with Branch, they need to do everything to jump at the opportunity if he is still available.
Brian Branch's Lions Future Up in the Air After Latest Draft Buzz
When you take the Achilles injury out of the equation, Branch was definitely on his way to a contract extension. After all, the former Alabama star had 258 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, 38 passes defended, seven interceptions, and 4.5 sacks in 43 games, 37 of which were starts.
As someone who can play at free safety, slot corner, and in the box, Branch's versatility speaks to how important his role is on this Lions defense and what made the injury late in the season so devastating. Not to mention, Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 77.5 last season, which ranked 12th out of 98 qualified safeties in the league. That grade alone does not entirely reflect his performance on the field, but it does speak to his value to this defense when he is fully healthy.
If you look at the offseason moves the Lions have already made, though, Branch's future with the franchise may have taken a hit. In addition to re-signing Avonte Maddox, Detroit signed Chuck Clark and Christian Izien. The Lions also have Thomas Harper, Dan Jackson, and Loren Strickland. So, the depth at the position means there is no reason for them to rush Branch back or even keep him around if that is what they choose.
Considering Thieneman had the second-most tackles (92) for Oregon and was one of only four players on the Ducks' roster last season with multiple interceptions, it would be understandable if the Lions view him as someone who can fill the void if they elect not to keep Branch around long-term.
With the draft just one week away, they do not have much time left to make a decision.
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